ComEd Proposes the New West Central Reliability Project Transmission Line

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ComEd’s proposed West Central Reliability Project is a new 138kV electric transmission line to be constructed on steel poles between ComEd’s existing substations near the communities of Bartlett and Itasca. The line connects these substations and crosses DuPage and Cook counties, primarily within the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway right-of-way.

Overview

​Needs

The Bartlett Substation, which serves thousands of customers, is served by a single wood pole line. When service to customers is interrupted, by lightning or high winds for example, ComEd’s ability to restore power to these customers is significantly impaired. The West Central Reliability Project provides an alternative delivery pathway so that ComEd may restore customers more quickly.

Benefits

The Project would result in enhanced local reliability and greater flexibility to perform maintenance activities to meet customer needs, and would accommodate future transmission lines on the same poles that are installed for this project. This will ensure that we are able to meet current and future needs, including such local amenities as new schools, recreation facilities, stores and restaurants.

Approval Process

The project requires approval by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) following a legal proceeding that is open to the public. In January 2016, ComEd will conduct a series of public open houses in Cook and DuPage counties to inform local residents and potential stakeholders about the project. These events will be advertised in local newspapers.

Schedule

ComEd expects to file a request for approval with the ICC in winter 2016. The Project is anticipated to be complete by summer 2018.